Flexible Operating Hours Pilots Prospectus response

The MA has now responded to the HMCTS proposals for Flexible Operating Hours Pilots.

The proposals include Sheffield and Highbury Corner Magistrates' Courts holding three sittings a day and magistrates from South London LJA holding some hearings in Blackfriars Crown Court either before or after Crown Court hearings. There are also proposals involving family hearings in Manchester, although it is not clear whether magistrates are expected to be involved or whether this will just be for district judges. The plan is for the pilots to run from February 2018.